Now that we've seen fireworks, eaten our weight in hot dogs - or was that just me? - and burned ourselves multiple times with sparklers on the Fourth of July, the next big ticket event arrives on the last Friday in August.

For you diehard football fans, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Friday Night Lights, or high school football season as the plain Janes out there like to call it, kicks off Aug. 26 across the area. With that being said, I've fielded multiple questions since last season about a multitude of issues. I thought it'd be fun to share those questions and my answers with you.

Who will be the best team in the SVC this year?

Put simply, you have to beat the best to be the best. Last year's best team was Zane Trace, who went 10-0 in conference play. Until they're knocked off the top of the mountain, they're still the best team in the SVC.

This is more like an educated guess rather than a prediction. But if it's a life-or-death choice, I'm going with Chillicothe and Zane Trace. I think Paint Valley has an outside chance as well if they can get past a learning curve.

How will the Gazette enhance its high school football coverage this upcoming season?

I love this question. We'll still be holding weekly football roundtables at the Dock at Water, providing real-time video from practices and games through our weekly Slants and Screens previews, covering three local games each week and writing weekly previews in capsule form. Alongside those things will be a possible weekly football podcast that's still in the works; a new high school fantasy football league which we'll report on weekly, with a twist and weekly features on different area players.

Is Branden Maughmer the answer for Chillicothe under center?

Absolutely. I won't spend much time on this question because of the simple fact that Maughmer has what it takes to lead the Cavaliers to victories.

How will Zane Trace deal with the loss of last year's senior class?

Only time will tell. While Austin Harris picks up most of the offensive slack, it'll be interesting to see how coach Dwane Hall handles his defense after losing Truman Love, Pierce Mowery and Trey Davis.

The McFaddens are gone. Who carries Paint Valley this season?

Get used to hearing these names: Bryce Newland and Cruz McFadden. No, the McFaddens are not completely eradicated.

Do you think Huntington quarterback Elijah McCloskey has a chance at Offensive Back of the Year?

It all depends on how much protection he receives. McCloskey certainly has the skill set to warrant such an award, but if he's spending more time running for his life than he is looking for open receivers downfield, that feat is going to be almost impossible.

Adena has a new coach and lost Cale Free and Isaac Thomas. Are the Warriors doomed?

Not at all. I think Adena will actually surprise some of their doubters this season. With an experienced Jake Dawson under center and a solid defense, the Warriors will be just fine.

With the loss of Erique Hosley, how many games does Unioto win this year?

Look, I'm no fortune teller, but Hosley was a humongous loss for the Shermans. But when you factor in the losses of Austin Houser, Isaac Wheeler, J.T. Turner and Drew Oyer as well, I'm guessing anywhere between three and five. Quarterback Clay Edler can't do it all by himself.

And hey, while we're at it, let's make this is a monthly thing. You send your questions, I write my answers. Send your questions, about any sport, to dwebb@chillicothegazette.com or via Twitter at @dw1509.